A luxury resort in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, joins the various great sustainable architecture projects within the region. Designed by the Dutch architectural studio OMA founded by Rem Koolhaas, Desa Potato Head The resort is meant not just for guests, but additionally for the area people, difficult the model of self-sufficiency typical of resorts within the region. It is inspired by traditional villages in the realm, and the layout of the resort reflects this through using traditional Balinese construction techniques and recovered materials.
“At Desa Potato Head, we should not trying to alter the industry, we wish to create a totally latest model for it,” says Potato Head founder and Indonesian hotelier Ronald Akili, quoted by Design milk.
Inspired by the elevated courtyards of Indonesia, OMA elevated Potato Head Studios (one among three buildings that houses private guest rooms, a sunset bar and exhibition space, and forms Desa Potato Head alongside Katamama and the Beach Club) on the pilotis, creating an open space cultural area below, which results in the beach and provides a versatile platform for celebrating festivals, cultural events and every day recreational activities, available to each guests and residents – which is particularly necessary whenever you consider that the event is situated on one among the last available sites on beach in Seminyak.
The rooftop gardens have also been conceived as a public space and include a sculpture park overlooking the ocean, accessible by a public road that zigzags up the floating complex, connecting communal spaces comparable to restaurants, swimming pools and spas.
“The essence of Bali lies in the interaction between different cultures,” explains architect and OMA partner David Gianotten. “Our Potato Head Studios design includes both private rooms and guest facilities as well as public spaces to encourage exchange between different types of users.”
“Pototo Head Studios is a place for open engagement, not private consumption,” he continues. “It is a new space for the community where all kinds of guests – hotel guests and the general public – experience contemporary Balinese culture while creating it.”
Extensive plantings soften the impressive concrete structure, and where possible, materials are locally sourced and recycled – comparable to the woven ceiling constituted of recycled PET (plastic bottles) made by local artisans, adding a tactile feel while respecting Balinese art traditions and crafts and the environment.
Hand-crafted breeze block partitions solid light and shadows in geometric patterns, and elsewhere using ‘ijuk’ – a standard thatched roofing material.
The bedrooms feature built-in, custom-made wood furniture and locally sourced artwork, while pink terrazzo floors are constituted of waste concrete.
What: Desa Potato Head
Where: Jalan Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak, Kuta North – Regency, Badung, Bali – 80361
How much: From $158 for 2 people per night
Overview of an important events: Potato Head’s cultural programming includes chocolate making, wood carving, local mountain climbing, beach yoga, and a powerful lineup of DJs and live music events.
Source : Design milk | He inhabits
